Upper Mississippi River

Restoration MethodsLecture 5

River Restoration Types

1. Sedimentation Control

2. Island Building/Protection

3. Backwater/Side Channel Protection

4. Habitat Rehabilitation

5. Floodplain Reclamation/Reconnection

6. Fish Passages

Restoration Benefits

1. Sedimentation Controla. Clearer & cleaner

waterb. Less filling of

channels – main, back & side

c. Less filling of lakesd. Upstream erosion

improvements – improved soil fertility

e. Improved habitats

Source: UMRCC, 2000, A River that Works and a Working River

2. Island Building and Protection

a. Minimize island erosion (sedimentation) from existing islands

b. Reduce wave action and turbidity in backwater areas

c. Improve or provide new habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial species

Source: USACE EMP Project Descriptions

Restoration Benefits

3. Backwater and Side Channel Protection

a. Increased species diversity & productivity

b. Improved recreational opportunities – fishing, hunting, canoeing, hiking, bird watching

Source: UMRCC, 2000, A River that Works and a Working River

Restoration Benefits

4. Habitat Rehabilitation

a. Homes for birds & wildlife

b. Scenic views for people

c. Species diversity, both flora & fauna

Restoration Benefits

5. Floodplain Reclamation and Reconnection

a. Reduced flooding & associated damages including loss of life and property

b. Increased habitat for species, especially wetlands

c. More scenery and recreational areas for people

d. Typically a net taxpayer gain over time

e. Improved water sources

Sources: American Rivers, 2001, River of Renewal & UMRCC, 2000, A River that Works and a Working River

Restoration Benefits

6. Fish Passagesa. Improved ability of

fish movement past dams resulting in greater reproduction possibilities and increased populations

b. Greater fish diversity within pools

Source: UMRCC, 2000, A River that Works and a Working River

Restoration Benefits

1. The ecosystem supports habitats and viable native animal and plant populations similar to those present before any disturbance.

2. The ecosystem is able to return to its pre-existing condition after a disturbance, whether natural or human-induced.

3. The ecosystem is able to sustain itself.

Source: (Cairns 1977; Rappaport 1989; Grumbine 1994), See Ecological Status and Trends of the Upper Mississippi River System 1998, Chapter 2, References

Ecosystem Health Conditions

A Restoration Strategy

1. Support restoration projects – water quality and sedimentation reduction.

2. Support projects that help or allow floodplain hydrological processes to function.

3. Support small-scale restoration efforts.4. Build from past experiences but also continue to

experiment and innovate.5. Improve communication between all stakeholders

– adaptive management and restoration opportunities

6. Communicate to the public to increase their support.

Source: A River that Works and a Working River, 2000, UMRCC, Dan McGuiness (National Audubon Society. Pg. 9)